Celebrated by the poet Homer, who described it as “a floating island, a wall of bronze and splendid smooth sheer cliffs," Lipari is the largest of the 17 Aeolian Islands, and also the name of its only real town. Rising from the cobalt seas on the northeast of the Sicilian coast, Lipari’s location makes it a popular base for exploring the archipelago. However, this fascinating place more than holds its own as a worthy destination. Located on a plateau of red volcanic rock on the southeastern shore, Lipari boasts two beaches on either side. Its mountains, volcanoes and stunningly beautiful waters attract adventure-seekers from throughout the world. Settled in the 4th millennium B.C., the island offers such historic sites (and sights) as the impressive cliff top citadel. Built in the 1500s, the citadel’s high defensive wall still stands, enclosing the Cathedral of Saint Bartholomew, an archaeological museum and two baroque churches.
The Aeolian island of Stromboli doesn’t just have a volcano – it actually is an active volcano, its smoldering cone attracting credentialed and amateur enthusiasts throughout the year. Located in the Tyrrhenian Sea just north of Sicily, one side of the island is scarred and blackened from eruptions, while the eastern side is lush, green and populated by whitewashed homes. The best show this island has to offer is a one-of-a-kind spectacular natural display of fire and brimstone. At night, the lava glows as it makes its way down the Sciara del Fuoco (Slope of Fire) to meet the sea with a loud hiss. During the 1946 on-location filming of the movie Stromboli, the relationship between star Ingrid Bergman and director Roberto Rossellini also heated up and caught fire. Those who seek adventure yet want an assurance of safety can take a guided tour of the volcano’s cone.